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David Duchovny was able to rid himself of The X-Files label during his time as the star in, Californiacation. Not only did the actor thrive on the series, but Madeline Zima also found success in her role as Mia.
The actress has enjoyed quite the career since her earlier days as a child star on The Nanny. She was recently thrust into spotlight thanks to her work on Twin Peaks.
As we'll see in the following, Californiacation was a major risk for the actress. Zima wasn't exactly sure she'd get the role, and we'll take a look back at how it all went down.
In addition, we'll take a closer look at Zima's relationship alongside David Duchovny, and how the two got along off the set.
Madeline Zima Was Surprised That She Landed The Role On Californiacation
Given her past in The Nanny, along with her real-life self, Madeline Zima was shocked to have gotten the role in Californiacation, a project unlike any other she had worked prior.
According to the actress, her first audition was a major success thanks to the risks she took in the audition room.
“When I auditioned with David, I felt sure enough of myself to take a few risks – I was grabbing his leg and touching his arm when we were doing our scenes together,” she says.
However, things took a turn when it was time for the biggest audition in front of the network. According to Zima, things did not start of well during the audition. Ultimately, she was able to start over and ending up nailing it.
She recalls alongside Movie Hole, "I had an audition for the network that was…well, not the best. It was probably my worst, weakest read of all the auditions I’d done – and it was the most important one!"
"But I refused to give up, even when I was bombing. They asked if I’d like to do a scene again and I was all ‘Uh-huh! I can do better!’ Which I did, and when I got it I just couldn’t believe it. I was so happy.”
After landing the role, Zima worked alongside David Duchovny, in what was an edgy role
Madeline Zima Had A Blast Working Alongside David Duchovny On Californiacation
There was obvious chemistry between Duchovny and Zima during the series. Speaking alongside The Daily News Blog, Zima revealed that they shared a good relationship behind the camera as well. It was said that the atmosphere behind the scenes was constantly relaxed, in large part, thanks to Duchovny.
"I love working with David," Zima said at the time.
"He’s so funny and brings such a relaxed and open attitude to the set. If you have an idea and want to improvise, whatever’s funny goes. Everyone on the show is wonderful. I’ve never worked on such an amazing group of people – so creative and open and not stuck in one way of doing things. It’s a wonderful blessing and a dream.”
The Showtime series enjoyed major success, starting in 2007. With Hank Moody as the star, the series went 7 seasons and 84 episodes.
Madeline Zima Admitted She Was Very Different From Her Character Mia Lewis
Zima got cast in the career-changing role, though she did admit to being very different from the character. This made her casting that much more impressive.
Madeline spoke about the obvious differences between herself and Mia.
“I couldn’t believe when I got the role because I’m so different from the character. I tricked everyone into believing I’m this sexy, destructive, ruthless person."
In truth, up until that point, Zima was playing the opposite roles in Hollywood. The role was quite the transition and one that took some time to get used to, especially when character did something she typically would not do.
"It’s amazing that I pulled that off. I’ve always played the sweet girl-next-door character. It’s interesting to see the world through those kind of eyes for a little while."
"Anytime I have to say something rude, it’s like, “Really?” But then I have to re-invest every week a new amount of non-judgment and leaving my own personal values at the door. She’s so young still and doesn’t fully understand the consequences of her actions.”
In the end, it all worked out for Zima and the series.